The invention provides freeze-dried nucleated cells, a method for preparing them, and methods of using them for in vitro assays and in vivo therapeutic treatments. The method for preparing the cells includes incubating cells in the presence of a cryoprotective sugar to load them with the sugar, then lyophilizing them without separating the cells from the cryoprotective sugar. In embodiments, the cells are also loaded with one or more bioactive agents.

Bone void filler compositions and methods for preparation to provide substrates with carbonate surface coatings to promote bone growth.

Biomaterials and methods and uses for repair or augmentation of tissues are provided. In particular, the invention provides a multi-layered, naturally occurring multi-axial oriented biomaterial comprising predominately type I collagen fibers. The invention further provides methods and uses for repair or augmentation of tissues using biomaterials of the invention.

Compliance control stitch patterns sewn or embroidered into biotextile or medical textile substrates impart reinforcing strength, and stretch resistance and control into such substrates. Compliance control stitch patterns may be customizable to particular patients, substrate implantation sites, particular degenerative or diseased conditions, or desired time frames. Substrates having compliance control stitch patterns sewn or embroidered into them may be used in tissue repair or tissue reconstruction applications.

A human amniotic fluid formulation has been developed for administration into a joint or associated soft tissue such as a tendon or ligament for treatment of pain, degeneration, or injury. The formulation is a sterile de-cellularized human amniotic fluid (D-HAF), devoid of amniotic stem cells and elements of micronized membrane or chorion particles, which has not been heat treated or treated with ethidium bromide. The formulation is optionally diluted, or concentrated, depending on the severity of the disorder or injury. Examples demonstrate efficacy in treatment of pain, disease, disorder, degeneration or injury of a joint or associated soft tissues.

Described are embodiments of a multilaminate or multiple layer implantable surgical graft with an illustrative graft comprising a remodelable collagenous sheet material, the graft including one or more interweaving members to stitch together the graft to help prevent the layers from delaminating or separating during handling and the initial stages of remodeling. The interweaving members may comprise lines of suture, thread, individual stitches, strips of material, etc. that are woven through the layers of biomaterial in a desired pattern. In one embodiment, the interweaving members comprise a pharmacologically active substance, such as a drug, growth factors, etc. to elicit a desired biological response in the host tissue. In another embodiment, the graft further comprises a reinforcing material, such as a synthetic mesh, within the layers of remodelable biomaterial and stitched together by one or more interweaving members.

One aspect of the invention provides a method of preventing or reducing stenosis in a subject. The method includes implanting a passivated graft comprising vein into an artery. The implanting of the graft replaces and/or bypasses a diseased segment of the artery. The passivated graft including vein is prepared by exposing the exterior surface of the passivated graft comprising vein to a tissue structure stabilizing agent (“TSSA”) under conditions sufficient to promote cross-linking of proteins within the vein.

Described herein are tissue grafts derived from the placenta that possess good adhesion to biological tissues and are useful in wound healing applications. In one aspect, the tissue graft includes (1) two or more layers of amnion, wherein at least one layer of amnion is cross-linked, (2) two or more layers of chorion, wherein at least one layer of chorion is cross-linked, or (3) one or more layers of amnion and chorion, wherein at least one layer of amnion and/or chorion is cross-linked. In another aspect, the grafts are composed of amnion and chorion cross-linked with one another. In a further aspect, the grafts have one or more layers sandwiched between the amnion and chorion membranes. The amnion and/or the chorion are treated with a cross-linking agent prior to the formation of the graft. The presence of the cross-linking agent present on the graft also enhances adhesion to the biological tissue of interest. Also described herein are methods for making and using the tissue grafts.

This invention is directed to an anastomosing stent comprising an internal frame and an external casing, and methods of use thereof.

A heterogeneous patient-based breast phantom that mimics the anatomy and properties of real breast tissues when screened with ionizing and nonionizing imaging modalities is described. The heterogeneous breast phantom includes a skin mimicking segment; an adipose tissue mimicking segment; a fibro-glandular tissue mimicking segment; and a pectoral muscle mimicking segment wherein each segment is shaped and arranged such that the breast phantom represents a breast tissue. Performance of the breast phantom was characterized by mass attenuation coefficient, electron density and effective atomic number. Further, performance of breast phantoms was confirmed CT and breast MM machines.